How to Cope with Results Day: A Guide for Students and Parent

Emma Harper
Aug 2
3 min read

Results day.

Just hearing those words can bring a mix of feelings: excitement, nerves, dread, hope, even confusion. Whether your child is waiting for GCSE or A Level, it’s totally normal for emotions to run high.

At Core Plus Tuition, we work closely with students and families all year round, and we know just how much heart, effort, and hope go into preparing for these moments. But we also know this: a single piece of paper doesn’t define a child’s future or their worth.

So here’s a gentle guide to help both students and parents/guardians navigate results day with a little more calm and a lot more perspective.

💬 For Students: It’s Okay to Feel Everything

Be kind to yourself. Nerves don’t mean you’ve failed; they just mean you care.
You did your best. You showed up, you pushed through challenges and that’s something to be proud of.
Your results don’t define you. They might shape your next step, but they don’t tell the full story of your potential.
Talk it through. Whether you’re celebrating or disappointed, you deserve space to express how you feel.
Holding in emotions

🤝 For Parents & Guardians: Be Their Safe Space

Start with love. Your child’s grades don’t change how proud you are of them.
Avoid comparison. Every child’s journey is different. Results day is not a race or a ranking.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Give them time. Let them react in their own way before jumping into problem-solving mode.
Look at next steps together. There is always a path forward, even if it’s not the one originally planned.
Family working together

📍 GCSE Results: What Comes Next?

For many students, GCSEs feel like the first “big deal” exams, so it’s no surprise results day can be overwhelming. Whatever those results say, there are always options.

If results are as expected or better:

✅ Celebrate the hard work!

✅ Confirm sixth form, college or apprenticeship offers

✅ Look ahead to your next subjects; do they feel right for you? You do not have to stick with the options you made during Year 11.

If results aren’t what you hoped for:

👉 Don’t panic. Many sixth forms and colleges are flexible, especially if you were close. Have discussions about remarks. Your school will have the results you scored for each exam and potentially each question.

👉 Speak to your school or college about your options.

👉 Reach out for support – we can help with resit planning, subject switches or confidence coaching if needed.

👉 Explore alternatives:

Resits in Maths or English Language in November (compulsory if you didn’t pass)
BTECs, T Levels or other vocational courses
Online or alternative sixth forms

📝 Remember: a wobble at GCSE doesn’t close the door; it just opens a different one.

🎓 A Level Results: What Comes Next?

A Level results can carry a lot of weight, especially if university places are involved. But again, no matter the grades, there is always a next step.

If results meet or exceed expectations:

🎉 Celebrate!

🎓 Confirm your university place through UCAS

✈️ Sort accommodation, student finance and prep for the next chapter!

If results are lower than expected:

👉 Check UCAS Track – your university may still accept you

👉 Consider Clearing – thousands of places are available, often for similar or related courses👉 Take your time – you can defer, reapply next year, or explore alternatives like:

Foundation years
Apprenticeships or work-based routes
Resits (we can help plan and support these)
A gap year to reflect, gain experience or retake with support

🧭 A Level results day might change your route but not your destination.

🌱 What Really Matters

At Core Plus, we often say: it’s not just about grades: it’s about confidence, growth, and believing in yourself again. And while results day might feel like a full stop, it’s actually a comma; a pause before the next chapter.

So whether you're celebrating, recalibrating, or somewhere in between, know this:

✨ You are not alone.✨ There is always a path forward.✨ And your future is still bright.

If you or your child need support after results day (whether it’s confidence coaching, subject help, or just someone to talk things through) we’re here and ready to help.

Reach out any time by emailing us on info@coreplustuition.com. Let’s find the next step together.

Wishing all our students and families a calm, gentle results day. You've done so well; whatever the numbers say. 💛